Tag: digital

Leslie Schehl is a Supervising Engineer at the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati and John Phillips is Director of Integrated Watershed Management at Parametrix, as well as co-chairs of the 2020 National Stormwater Symposium. In this episode Leslie and John explain how climate change is altering rainfall patterns and posing challenges for stormwater management, particularly in the form of urban flooding. They talk about the adoption of digital technology across the sector and the rise of smart sewers. Leslie and John also discuss the ongoing issues of maintenance and funding of stormwater infrastructure.

Welcome to a mashup episode of the Words On Water podcast and Water In Real Life podcast that explores the role of communications in building the next generation water workforce. Listen to Travis Loop of the Water Environment Federation and Stephanie Zavala and Arianne Shipley of Rogue Water, aka The H2duO, discuss the importance of internal communications that excites and inspires employees to be working in water, shows they are part of a talented team, and highlights their work to the public. Travis, Stephanie, and Arianne also stress that water utilities could emphasis innovation and technology in external marketing, display more personality to the community, get creative with storytelling, and create exciting job titles and descriptions.

Jim Cooper is Intelligent Water Lead at Arcadis. In this episode Jim discusses a new report done in collaboration with Bluefield Research on how artificial intelligence and predictive analytics can help address two human-centric challenges facing the water sector: affordability and resilience. He explains the concept of collective intelligence, which is “people plus technology,” and how a digital future can empower employees, not replace them. Jim says the sector is at a tipping point where early adopters of intelligent water are reaping multifaceted benefits.

Adam Tank is the Director of Digital Transformation at
Organica Water. In this episode Adam says to build public support and attract
the next generation of the workforce the water sector needs to be more creative
and much bolder in communications, including telling stories about its work and
using appealing job titles. He also discusses his view that the water sector is
behind other industries in digital transformation and that utilities should pay
closer attention to why and how they go digital.

Water is a popular conversation topic. That’s why the Water Environment Federation produces the Words On Water podcast. In 2018, there were 54 episodes released, featuring a diverse list of guests and covering a wide range of issues. Instead of picking favorites for an end-of-year list, we looked at the statistics to see which episodes were the most popular with listeners. Here they are, in no particular order.

Art explains the concept of the circular economy, including its origins in the 1960s and how it has evolved over the years. He discusses the level of support for a circular economy in the water sector and in industry, businesses, and government. Art also talks about the idea of biomimicry, which involves using nature as the model for designs and systems.

Sidney discusses how the new Wastewater
Treatment Fundamentals provide a one-stop shop for operators to gain the
information needed to do their jobs. She talks about how the book features an
array of pictures, graphics, terminology, and practice questions for
certification exams.

Manon discusses the role of biosolids in addressing climate
change — including through carbon sequestration – and in building environmental
literacy in a community. She also talks about the path ahead for SFPUC to
transition to the highest class of biosolids.

John discusses the generation of biogas by the water sector
and the opportunity to increase production, particularly for vehicle fuel. He
also talks about the value of biosolids and importance of regular dialogue with
the media and public.

Al discusses the use of smart technologies in monitoring,
assessing, and decision-making for water infrastructure. He also explains the
new Intelligent Water Systems Challenge and offers his thoughts on remote
sensing, automation, artificial intelligence, and blockchain.

Jennifer explains why young people should consider a career
in the water sector, how involvement in organizations like the Water
Environment Federation provides vital professional development, the strengths
of millennials that employers should utilize, and her experience working on the
UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in the UNLEASH program.

Carla discusses her journey “from CE to CEO.” She also talks
about what leadership means to her, the rise of women in the water workforce,
the importance of mentorship, and introducing young people to water careers.

Will Sarni is the Founder and CEO of the Water Foundry. In this episode, Will discusses how he helps multinational companies to evaluate the value of water to their business, look at the growing risks around water, and develop mitigation strategies. He also talks about the ways digital technologies will transform our relationship with water, why the circular economy is vital for getting us away from wasting resources, and that more attention should be paid to the water-energy-food nexus. Will also shares that he is optimistic about the future of water and that we are in the midst of a paradigm shift driven by demand outpacing supply.

David Wachal is the Director of the Esri Global Water Practice. In this episode, David talks about the digital transformation of the water sector, including the rise of location intelligence and the creation of digital twins of water systems. He also discusses ways that utilities are using GIS data, such as to gain real-time insight into operations or to address affordability concerns. David adds his thoughts on the workforce implications of the digital era and his perspective on the rate of digitization around the globe.